EP0125933A1 - Process for burning bitumen - Google Patents

Process for burning bitumen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0125933A1
EP0125933A1 EP84400284A EP84400284A EP0125933A1 EP 0125933 A1 EP0125933 A1 EP 0125933A1 EP 84400284 A EP84400284 A EP 84400284A EP 84400284 A EP84400284 A EP 84400284A EP 0125933 A1 EP0125933 A1 EP 0125933A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
combustion
bitumen
oxygen
uhf
chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP84400284A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0125933B1 (en
Inventor
Aymé Cornu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Original Assignee
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA filed Critical Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Publication of EP0125933A1 publication Critical patent/EP0125933A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0125933B1 publication Critical patent/EP0125933B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23GCREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G5/00Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor
    • F23G5/08Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor having supplementary heating
    • F23G5/085High-temperature heating means, e.g. plasma, for partly melting the waste
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23GCREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G7/00Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals
    • GPHYSICS
    • G21NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21FPROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F9/00Treating radioactively contaminated material; Decontamination arrangements therefor
    • G21F9/28Treating solids
    • G21F9/30Processing
    • G21F9/32Processing by incineration
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23GCREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2204/00Supplementary heating arrangements
    • F23G2204/20Supplementary heating arrangements using electric energy
    • F23G2204/201Plasma
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23GCREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2209/00Specific waste
    • F23G2209/18Radioactive materials

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to techniques for destroying bitumens or pitches by combustion. It applies in particular, although in a nonlimiting manner, to the combustion of bitumens used for the storage by coating of radioactive waste originating from the operation of nuclear power plants.
  • bitumens which however consist essentially of hydrocarbons, burn very difficult.
  • the present invention specifically relates to a particularly efficient combustion process which is very simple to use.
  • This process is characterized in that the bitumen is first softened by preheating and in that it is then introduced into a combustion chamber proper, traversed by excess oxygen subjected to ionization by a intense UHF electric field, so as to bring the surface of the bitumen to a temperature above 1000 ° C. and to ensure its rapid vaporization and combustion in the oxygen plasma thus created.
  • the easy combustion of the bitumen previously softened by preheating is thus achieved, by combining the combination of two means which act in synergy, namely the presence of excess oxygen and the production of '' a plasma of this gas which is ionized by an ultra high frequency UHF electric field intended to bring the surface of the bitumen to a higher temperature at 1000 ° C and commonly between 1100 and 1300 ° C.
  • the frequency chosen for the UHF electric field is preferably between 50 and 100 MHz and a power of 5 to 60 KW.
  • this heating to UHF of the oxygen plasma is one of the characteristics essential for the proper functioning of the bitumen combustion process.
  • the frequency of the UHF electric field is adjusted in each particular case according to the composition of the bitumen to be treated.
  • a range of frequencies between 50 and 100 MHz is perfectly suitable and makes it possible to heat the binder rather than the structural materials (such as quartz or the various ceramics).
  • the useful heating power is most often between 5 and 60 KW and the combustion stops if the energy is dropped below a certain threshold.
  • the applied UHF field has the effect of causing and maintaining both the heating and the vaporization of the pitch in the oxygen atmosphere; the combustion flame is generally very short.
  • the pitch or bitumen to be destroyed by combustion generally falls into the viscous state by gravity in a combustion chamber with insulating walls in which an oxygen pressure is maintained at a value of 1 to 2 bars absolute.
  • the combustion chamber is surrounded by a jacket cooled for example with water to remove the radiation heat and swept outside by a flow of air which also extracts part of the calories by conduction, l heated water that can be used to preheat bitumen.
  • the present invention also relates to an application of the above bitumen combustion process to the reprocessing of bitumens loaded with radioactive waste for the purpose of separating and recovering the latter, which can thus be used for further processing or repackaging.
  • the process which is the subject of the invention makes it possible in this case to transform all the mineral residues and in particular the radioactive waste which is most often found in the form of salts in the bulk of the bitumen into oxides which come to deposit by flocculation in a chute located at the base of the combustion chamber, from where they can be transferred and accumulated in a storage container.
  • a carbon dioxide detector CO contained in these combustion gases is placed at the outlet of the combustion chamber and makes it possible to alert the operator ; in the case where such a gas is detected, it suffices to react by increasing the temperature and / or the pressure of oxygen to increase the oxygenation rate, that is to say combustion of the whole pitch and the various wastes or compounds it contains.
  • the only combustion gases which leave the atmosphere after passing through the absolute filter are oxygen, carbon dioxide, water and sulfur dioxide depending on the sulfur content of the bitumen consumed. In some cases it may be necessary to provide for a purification of the SO 3 ions possibly produced and contained in the combustion gases.
  • the process involves only the quantity of oxygen necessary for combustion with however a slight excess to mitigate the risks of insufficient oxidation, but without nitrogen which would be, in the case where air is used, a significant reaction retarder and would also produce nitrogen oxides very harmful.
  • the installation volume is reduced to the strict minimum and the combustion chamber made of refractory material, such as quartz or alumina, is completely closed to circulation near oxygen, which facilitates the confinement of radioactive products combustion residues .
  • These which come from the initial radioactive charge of the bitumen and the normal ashes of this bitumen are obtained in the form of a dry powder having a maximum degree of oxidation, that is to say in a state which makes them very easily usable for a subsequent de-vitrification treatment or insertion into concrete or epoxy resin if necessary.
  • a pitch barrel 1 is shown overturned in a funnel-shaped container 2 equipped with an electrical resistance or a circulation of heating liquid 3 allowing preheating and softening of the pitch. 4 which flows to the bottom of the container 2.
  • An alumina nozzle 5 conducts this molten pitch as far as the combustion chamber 6, the upper part 7 of which is made of quartz and the lower part 8 of which is made of stainless steel with a side jacket 9 traversed by a cooling water circulation.
  • an alumina gasket 10 sealing with the alumina nozzle 5 and, around the cylindrical quartz part of the combustion chamber 6, there are a number of turns 11 intended to be supplied by conductors 12 and 13 with very high frequency electric current.
  • an automatic flow control valve 17 which makes it possible to control the quantity and the pressure of the oxygen passing through the combustion chamber 6, a detector 18 of carbon monoxide CO possibly present. in the exhaust gases and an absolute filter 19 at the outlet of which the purified combustion gases are discharged into the atmosphere according to the arrows 20.
  • a funnel-shaped collector 21 which collects the ashes from the combustion of the bitumen 4 in the chamber 6 and leads them by gravity into a chute 22 subjected to the vibrations of a hammer percussion 23 into a container 24 for collecting said radioactive ash located at the bottom of the installation.
  • the pitch 4 is preheated in the enclosure 2 by means of the heating means 3 at a temperature of the order of 100 to 150 ° C. depending on its softening point.
  • a grid calibrated at 1/4 of the diameter of the discharge tube and not shown in the figure can be useful to retain the largest particles.
  • the pitch is rapidly overheated using the intense UHF field produced by the turns 11, a field whose frequency is of the order of 100 MHz in a particular example of implementation, the electric power involved being of the order of 5 to 60 KW to bring the pitch surface to a temperature in this same example between 1100 ° C and 1300 ° C.
  • the flow rate and the pressure of the oxygen gas entering 14 into the enclosure 6 are chosen so that combustion takes place in the presence of an excess of this gas so as to avoid any incomplete combustion which would then be detected. in the form of the existence of carbon monoxide CO at the level of the detector 18.
  • the output 20 of the absolute filter 19 there appear only the gases 0 2 , C0 2 1 H 2 0 and S0 2 completely free of any trace of radioactivity or of corrosive dust or aerosols.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Gasification And Melting Of Waste (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)

Abstract

On ramollit d'abord le bitume par un préchauffage et on l'introduit ensuite dans une chambre de combustion (6) proprement dite, parcourue par de l'oxygène en excès soumis à une ionisation par un champ électrique UHF intense, de façon à porter le bitume à une température supérieure à 1000°C et à assurer sa vaporisation et sa combustion rapide dans le plasma d'oxygène ainsi créé.The bitumen is first softened by preheating and then introduced into a combustion chamber (6) proper, traversed by excess oxygen subjected to ionization by an intense UHF electric field, so as to carry bitumen at a temperature above 1000 ° C and to ensure its rapid vaporization and combustion in the oxygen plasma thus created.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte aux techniques de destruction des bitumes ou brais par combustion. Elle s'applique notamment, bien que de façon non limitative, à la combustion des bitumes ayant servi au stockage par enrobage des déchets radioactifs issus du fonctionnement des centrales nucléaires.The present invention relates to techniques for destroying bitumens or pitches by combustion. It applies in particular, although in a nonlimiting manner, to the combustion of bitumens used for the storage by coating of radioactive waste originating from the operation of nuclear power plants.

Il existe des cas dans l'industrie, où l'on souhaite détruire des masses de bitume d'une certaine importance et l'idée qui vient à l'esprit immédiatement est de réaliser cette destruction par combustion dans l'air ou une atmosphère plus ou moins enrichie en oxygène. Or, c'est un fait bien connu des spécialistes que les bitumes, qui sont pourtant constitués essentiellement d'hydrocarbures, brûlent très difficilement.There are cases in the industry, where one wishes to destroy masses of bitumen of a certain importance and the idea which comes to mind immediately is to achieve this destruction by combustion in air or a more atmospheric or less enriched in oxygen. However, it is a fact well known to specialists that bitumens, which however consist essentially of hydrocarbons, burn very difficult.

La présente invention a précisément pour objet un procédé de combustion particulièrement efficace d'une mise en oeuvre très simple.The present invention specifically relates to a particularly efficient combustion process which is very simple to use.

Ce procédé se caractérise en ce qu'on ramollit d'abord le bitume par un préchauffage et en ce qu'on l'introduit ensuite dans une chambre de combustion proprement dite, parcourue par de l'oxygène en excès soumis à une ionisation par un champ électrique UHF intense, de façon à porter la surface du bitume à une température supérieure à 10000C et à assurer sa vaporisation et sa combustion rapide dans le plasma d'oxygène ainsi créé.This process is characterized in that the bitumen is first softened by preheating and in that it is then introduced into a combustion chamber proper, traversed by excess oxygen subjected to ionization by a intense UHF electric field, so as to bring the surface of the bitumen to a temperature above 1000 ° C. and to ensure its rapid vaporization and combustion in the oxygen plasma thus created.

Grâce au procédé, objet de l'invention, on réalise ainsi la combustion aisée du bitume préalablement ramolli par un préchauffage, en combinant l'association de deux moyens qui agissent en synergie, à savoir la présence d'oxygène en excès et la production d'un plasma de ce gaz que l'on ionise par un champ électrique à ultra haute fréquence UHF destiné à porter la surface du bitume à une température supérieure à 1000°C et couramment comprise entre 1100 et 1300°C.Thanks to the process which is the subject of the invention, the easy combustion of the bitumen previously softened by preheating is thus achieved, by combining the combination of two means which act in synergy, namely the presence of excess oxygen and the production of '' a plasma of this gas which is ionized by an ultra high frequency UHF electric field intended to bring the surface of the bitumen to a higher temperature at 1000 ° C and commonly between 1100 and 1300 ° C.

Selon une caractéristique secondaire de la présente invention, on choisit pour le champ électrique UHF une fréquence comprise de préférence entre 50 et 100 MHz et une puissance de 5 à 60 KW.According to a secondary characteristic of the present invention, the frequency chosen for the UHF electric field is preferably between 50 and 100 MHz and a power of 5 to 60 KW.

Selon l'invention, ce chauffage à UHF du plasma d'oxygène est une des caractéristiques indispensables au bon fonctionnement du procédé de combustion des bitumes.According to the invention, this heating to UHF of the oxygen plasma is one of the characteristics essential for the proper functioning of the bitumen combustion process.

La fréquence du champ électrique UHF est ajustée dans chaque cas particulier en fonction de la composition du bitume à traiter. Dans le cas général, et de préférence, une gamme de fréquences comprises entre 50 et 100 MHz convient parfaitement et permet de chauffer le liant plutôt que les matériaux de structure (tel que le quartz ou les différentes céramiques).The frequency of the UHF electric field is adjusted in each particular case according to the composition of the bitumen to be treated. In the general case, and preferably, a range of frequencies between 50 and 100 MHz is perfectly suitable and makes it possible to heat the binder rather than the structural materials (such as quartz or the various ceramics).

La puissance utile de chauffe est le plus souvent comprise entre 5 et 60 KW et la combustion s'arrête si l'on fait tomber l'énergie en-dessous d'un certain seuil.The useful heating power is most often between 5 and 60 KW and the combustion stops if the energy is dropped below a certain threshold.

Le champ UHF appliqué a pour effet de provoquer et d'entretenir à la fois le chauffage ainsi que la vaporisation du brai dans l'atmosphère d'oxygène ; la flamme de la combustion est généralement très courte.The applied UHF field has the effect of causing and maintaining both the heating and the vaporization of the pitch in the oxygen atmosphere; the combustion flame is generally very short.

Le brai ou bitume à détruire par combustion tombe en général à l'état visqueux par gravité dans une chambre de combustion à parois isolantes dans laquelle une pression d'oxygène est entretenue à une valeur de 1 à 2 bars absolus.The pitch or bitumen to be destroyed by combustion generally falls into the viscous state by gravity in a combustion chamber with insulating walls in which an oxygen pressure is maintained at a value of 1 to 2 bars absolute.

Comme chaque kilogramme de brai produit environ 10.000 kilocalories en se consumant, et que l'excitation de l'oxygène par UHF dégage une puissance de plusieurs KW, il en résulte un excès de calories important dans la chambre de combustion, calories qu'il est nécessaire d'évacuer. A cet effet, la chambre de combustion est entourée d'une chemise refroidie par exemple à l'eau pour éliminer la chaleur de radiation et balayée à l'extérieur par un flux d'air qui extrait également une partie des calories par conduction, l'eau chauffée pouvant servir au préchauffage du bitume.As each kilogram of pitch produces around 10,000 kilocalories when it is consumed, and the excitation of oxygen by UHF releases a power of several KW, this results in a significant excess of calories in the combustion chamber, calories that it is necessary to evacuate. For this purpose, the combustion chamber is surrounded by a jacket cooled for example with water to remove the radiation heat and swept outside by a flow of air which also extracts part of the calories by conduction, l heated water that can be used to preheat bitumen.

La présente invention a également pour objet une application du procédé de combustion du bitume précédent au retraitement des bitumes chargés par déchets radioactifs aux fins de séparer et récupérer ces derniers que l'on peut ainsi utiliser en vue d'un traitement ou reconditionnement ultérieur.The present invention also relates to an application of the above bitumen combustion process to the reprocessing of bitumens loaded with radioactive waste for the purpose of separating and recovering the latter, which can thus be used for further processing or repackaging.

En effet, il peut être nécessaire d'effectuer ce retraitement pour séparer les produits radio-- actifs et les incorporer dans d'autres systèmes de stockage tels que les verres, le béton ou les résines époxy. Quoi qu'il en soit, le procédé objet de l'invention permet dans ce cas de transformer tous les résidus minéraux et notamment les déchets radioactifs qui se trouvent le plus souvent sous forme de sels dans la masse du bitume en oxydes qui viennent se déposer par floculation dans une goulotte située à la base de la chambre de combustion, d'où on peut les transférer et les accumuler dans un récipient de stockage.Indeed, it may be necessary to carry out this reprocessing to separate the radioactive products and incorporate them into other storage systems such as glasses, concrete or epoxy resins. Anyway, the process which is the subject of the invention makes it possible in this case to transform all the mineral residues and in particular the radioactive waste which is most often found in the form of salts in the bulk of the bitumen into oxides which come to deposit by flocculation in a chute located at the base of the combustion chamber, from where they can be transferred and accumulated in a storage container.

Si l'on prend de plus la précaution de réaliser la combustion en présence d'une quantité d'oxygène suffisante (en réglant notamment la pression de gaz dans la chambre de combustion) et en jouant sur la température, c'est-à-dire sur la puissance fournie par le générateur, on évite alors tout processus réducteur, le brai brûle complètement et toutes les charges minérales sont transformées en oxydes.Les gaz de combustion et l'oxygène en excès sont évacués par une canalisation comportant une vanne automatique de régulation de pression protégée par un filtre fin. Ces mêmes gaz de combustion sont épurés par un filtre absolu qui en retirent tous les composés toxiques ou radioactifs (gaz, aérosols, poussières, etc...) avant de les rejeter dans l'atmosphère.If we also take the precaution of carrying out the combustion in the presence of a sufficient quantity of oxygen (in particular by regulating the gas pressure in the combustion chamber) and by varying the temperature, that is to say say about the power supplied by the generator, then any reduction process is avoided, the pitch burns completely and all the mineral charges are transformed into oxides. The combustion gases and excess oxygen are evacuated by a pipeline comprising an automatic pressure regulation valve protected by a fine filter. These same combustion gases are purified by an absolute filter which removes all toxic or radioactive compounds (gases, aerosols, dust, etc.) before discharging them into the atmosphere.

Pour vérifier que l'oxydation de tous les produits au cours de la combustion dans l'oxygène est complète, un détecteur d'oxyde carbonique CO contenu dans ces gaz de combustion est placé à la sortie de la chambre de combustion et permet d'alerter l'opérateur ; dans le cas où un tel gaz est détecté, il suffit alors de réagir en augmentant la température et/ou la pression d'oxygène pour augmenter le taux d'oxygénation, c'est-à-dire de combustion de l'ensemble du brai et des déchets ou composés divers qu'il contient. Dans ces conditions, les seuls gaz de combustion qui sortent dans l'atmosphère après passage dans le filtre absolu sont l'oxygène, le gaz carbonique, l'eau et l'anhydride sulfureux selon la teneur en soufre du bitume consumé. Dans certains cas il peut être nécessaire de prévoir une épuration des ions SO3 éventuellement produits et contenus dans les gaz de combustion.To verify that the oxidation of all products during combustion in oxygen is complete, a carbon dioxide detector CO contained in these combustion gases is placed at the outlet of the combustion chamber and makes it possible to alert the operator ; in the case where such a gas is detected, it suffices to react by increasing the temperature and / or the pressure of oxygen to increase the oxygenation rate, that is to say combustion of the whole pitch and the various wastes or compounds it contains. Under these conditions, the only combustion gases which leave the atmosphere after passing through the absolute filter are oxygen, carbon dioxide, water and sulfur dioxide depending on the sulfur content of the bitumen consumed. In some cases it may be necessary to provide for a purification of the SO 3 ions possibly produced and contained in the combustion gases.

La mise en oeuvre du procédé objet de l'invention possède un certain nombre d'avantages que l'on peut résumer ci-après.The implementation of the process which is the subject of the invention has a certain number of advantages which can be summarized below.

Ce procédé assure une combustion complète du bitume et produit le minimum de gaz de combustion à rejeter dans l'atmosphère. En effet, la combustion dans l'oxygène pur à très haute température permet, sans utiliser de système compliqué de pulvérisation, d'obtenir une combustion totale sans production de carbone pulvérulent à haut pouvoir adsorbant.This process ensures complete combustion of the bitumen and produces the minimum of combustion gases to be released into the atmosphere. In fact, combustion in pure oxygen at very high temperature makes it possible, without using a complicated spraying system, to obtain total combustion without producing powdery carbon with high adsorbent power.

Par ailleurs, le procédé met en jeu uniquement la quantité d'oxygène nécessaire à la combustion avec toutefois un léger excès pour pallier les risques d'insuffisance d'oxydation, mais sans azote qui serait, dans le cas où l'on utiliserait de l'air, un ralentisseur de réaction important et produirait en outre, des oxydes d'azote très nocifs.Furthermore, the process involves only the quantity of oxygen necessary for combustion with however a slight excess to mitigate the risks of insufficient oxidation, but without nitrogen which would be, in the case where air is used, a significant reaction retarder and would also produce nitrogen oxides very harmful.

Le volume de l'installation est réduit au strict minimum et la chambre de combustion en matériau réfractaire, tel que quartz ou alumine, est entièrement close à la circulation près de l'oxygène, ce qui facilite le confinement des produits radioactifs résidus de la combustion. Ceux-ci qui proviennent de la charge radioactive initiale du bitume et les cendres normales de ce bitume sont obtenues sous forme d'une poudre sèche ayant un degré d'oxydation maximale, c'est-à-dire dans un état qui les rend très facilement utilisables pour un traitement ultérieur de-vitrification ou d'insertion dans un béton ou une résine époxy en cas de nécessité.The installation volume is reduced to the strict minimum and the combustion chamber made of refractory material, such as quartz or alumina, is completely closed to circulation near oxygen, which facilitates the confinement of radioactive products combustion residues . These which come from the initial radioactive charge of the bitumen and the normal ashes of this bitumen are obtained in the form of a dry powder having a maximum degree of oxidation, that is to say in a state which makes them very easily usable for a subsequent de-vitrification treatment or insertion into concrete or epoxy resin if necessary.

De toute façon, l'invention sera mieux comprise en se rapportant à la description qui suit d'un exemple de mise en oeuvre du procédé, description qui sera faite à titre illustratif et non limitatif en se référant à la figure unique ci-jointe qui montre en coupe schématique selon l'axe une installation possible pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé.Anyway, the invention will be better understood by referring to the following description of an example of implementation of the method, description which will be given by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the attached single figure which shows in schematic section along the axis a possible installation for implementing the method.

Sur la figure unique, on a représenté un fût de brai 1 renversé dans un récipient 2 en forme d'entonnoir équipé d'une résistance électrique ou d'une circulation de liquide de chauffage 3 permettant d'obtenir le préchauffage et le ramollissement du brai 4 qui s'écoule à la partie inférieure du récipient 2.In the single figure, a pitch barrel 1 is shown overturned in a funnel-shaped container 2 equipped with an electrical resistance or a circulation of heating liquid 3 allowing preheating and softening of the pitch. 4 which flows to the bottom of the container 2.

Une buse d'alumine 5 conduit ce brai fondu jusque dans l'enceinte de combustion 6 dont la partie supérieure 7 est en quartz et dont la partie inférieure 8 est en acier inoxydable avec une chemise latérale 9 parcourue par une circulation d'eau de refroidissement. A la partie supérieure de la chambre 6 est situé un joint en alumine 10 assurant l'étanchéité avec la buse d'alumine 5 et, autour de la partie cylindrique en quartz de la chambre de combustion 6, se trouve un certain nombre de spires 11 destinées à être alimentées par les conducteurs 12 et 13 en courant électrique à très haute fréquence. Dans la chambre 6 sont prévues une entrée 14 pour l'admission d'oxygène sous pression et une sortie 15 pour l'évacuation des gaz de réaction et de l'oxygène en excès. Sur la canalisation de sortie 16 se trouve située en outre une vanne de régulation automatique de débit 17 qui permet de contrôler la quantité et la pression de l'oxygène traversant la chambre de combustion 6, un détecteur 18 d'oxyde de carbone CO éventuellement présent dans les gaz d'échappement et un filtre absolu 19 à la sortie duquel les gaz de combustion épurés sont rejetés dans l'atmosphère selon les flèches 20.An alumina nozzle 5 conducts this molten pitch as far as the combustion chamber 6, the upper part 7 of which is made of quartz and the lower part 8 of which is made of stainless steel with a side jacket 9 traversed by a cooling water circulation. At the upper part of the chamber 6 is located an alumina gasket 10 sealing with the alumina nozzle 5 and, around the cylindrical quartz part of the combustion chamber 6, there are a number of turns 11 intended to be supplied by conductors 12 and 13 with very high frequency electric current. In chamber 6 there is an inlet 14 for the admission of oxygen under pressure and an outlet 15 for the evacuation of the reaction gases and the excess oxygen. On the outlet pipe 16 is also located an automatic flow control valve 17 which makes it possible to control the quantity and the pressure of the oxygen passing through the combustion chamber 6, a detector 18 of carbon monoxide CO possibly present. in the exhaust gases and an absolute filter 19 at the outlet of which the purified combustion gases are discharged into the atmosphere according to the arrows 20.

Dans l'axe de la chambre 6 est également situé un collecteur en forme d'entonnoir 21 qui rassemble les cendres issues de la combustion du bitume 4 dans la chambre 6 et les conduit par gravité dans une goulotte 22 soumise aux vibrations d'un marteau à percussion 23 jusque dans un récipient 24 de collection desdites cendres radioactives situées à la partie inférieure de l'installation.In the axis of the chamber 6 is also located a funnel-shaped collector 21 which collects the ashes from the combustion of the bitumen 4 in the chamber 6 and leads them by gravity into a chute 22 subjected to the vibrations of a hammer percussion 23 into a container 24 for collecting said radioactive ash located at the bottom of the installation.

Dans l'installation décrite précédemment, le préchauffage du brai 4 dans l'enceinte 2 est effectué grâce au moyen de chauffage 3 à une température de l'ordre de 100 à 150°C selon son point de ramollissement. Une grille calibrée à 1/4 du diamètre du tube d'évacuation et non représentée sur la figure peut être utile pour retenir les particules les plus grosses. Dès sa sortie de la buse 5 en céramique, le brai est rapidement surchauffé à l'aide du champ UHF intense produit par les spires 11, champ dont la fréquence est de l'ordre de 100 MHz dans un exemple particulier de mise en oeuvre, la puissance électrique mise en jeu étant de l'ordre de 5 à 60 KW pour porter la surface du brai à une température comprise dans ce même exemple entre 1100°C et 1300°C. Celui-ci est alors vaporisé et rapidement brûlé en présence d'oxygène injecté avec turbulences autour de la buse (vortex), tous les résidus minéraux étant transformés en oxydes grâce à la puissance dégagée par induction dans le plasma d'oxygène ainsi créé et à la pression de cet oxygène que l'on choisit par exemple de 1 à 2 bars absolus.In the installation described above, the pitch 4 is preheated in the enclosure 2 by means of the heating means 3 at a temperature of the order of 100 to 150 ° C. depending on its softening point. A grid calibrated at 1/4 of the diameter of the discharge tube and not shown in the figure can be useful to retain the largest particles. As soon as it leaves the ceramic nozzle 5, the pitch is rapidly overheated using the intense UHF field produced by the turns 11, a field whose frequency is of the order of 100 MHz in a particular example of implementation, the electric power involved being of the order of 5 to 60 KW to bring the pitch surface to a temperature in this same example between 1100 ° C and 1300 ° C. This is then vaporized and quickly burned in the presence of oxygen injected with turbulence around the nozzle (vortex), all the mineral residues being transformed into oxides thanks to the power released by induction in the oxygen plasma thus created and at the pressure of this oxygen which is chosen for example from 1 to 2 bars absolute.

Pour compléter le refroidissement de la chambre de combustion 6 où se dégage un nombre élevé de calories, on peut adjoindre à la chemise d'eau 9 un apport de flux d'air froid sur les parois à l'aide de tout dispositif connu non représenté.To complete the cooling of the combustion chamber 6 where a high number of calories is released, it is possible to add to the water jacket 9 a supply of cold air flow on the walls using any known device not shown. .

Comme déjà précisé précédemment, on choisit le débit et la pression du gaz oxygène pénétrant en 14 dans l'enceinte 6 de façon que la combustion ait lieu en présence d'un excès de ce gaz de façon à éviter toute combustion incomplète qui serait alors détectée sous forme de l'existence d'oxyde de carbone CO au niveau du détecteur 18. Dans cette hypothèse bien entendu, il suffirait d'agir sur le débit et la pression de l'oxygène ainsi que sur la puissance UHF transmise à la chambre 6 pour que le brai et tous les produits qu'il contient soient oxydés au maximum. De toute façon, à la sortie 20 du filtre absolu 19 ne figurent que les gaz 02, C021 H20 et S02 complètement débarrassés de toute trace de radioactivité ou de poussières ou d'aérosols corrosifs.As already specified above, the flow rate and the pressure of the oxygen gas entering 14 into the enclosure 6 are chosen so that combustion takes place in the presence of an excess of this gas so as to avoid any incomplete combustion which would then be detected. in the form of the existence of carbon monoxide CO at the level of the detector 18. In this hypothesis of course, it would suffice to act on the flow rate and the pressure of the oxygen as well as on the UHF power transmitted to the chamber 6 so that the pitch and all the products it contains are oxidized to the maximum. In any case, at the output 20 of the absolute filter 19 there appear only the gases 0 2 , C0 2 1 H 2 0 and S0 2 completely free of any trace of radioactivity or of corrosive dust or aerosols.

Les paramètres de la combustion étant ainsi parfaitement connus, il est possible dans une version améliorée du dispositif de la figure unique, de réguler automatiquement le fonctionnement, notamment à partir de la vanne de régulation 17 elle-même rendue automatique.The combustion parameters being thus perfectly known, it is possible in a version improved device of the single figure, to automatically regulate the operation, in particular from the regulating valve 17 itself made automatic.

Bien entendu, des variantes de mise en oeuvre et de réalisation de l'installation sont parfaitement possibles sans que l'on sorte pour autant du cadre de la présente invention ; c'est ainsi que l'arrivée d'oxygène dans la chambre 6 peut se faire par exemple à l'aide d'une canalisation coaxiale à la buse d'alumine 5 ou que les parois de la chambre 6 pourraient être intégralement réalisées en quartz ou en alumine au lieu d'être comme dans l'exemple décrit, partiellement en quartz et partiellement en acier inoxydable. De toute façon, il est bien évident que la transmission de l'énergie UHF apportée par les spires 11 ne peut avoir lieu dans la chambre 6 qu'au travers d'une paroi non conductrice de l'électricité, tel que le quartz ou l'alumine.Of course, variants of implementation and implementation of the installation are perfectly possible without departing from the scope of the present invention; this is how the arrival of oxygen in the chamber 6 can be done for example using a pipe coaxial with the alumina nozzle 5 or that the walls of the chamber 6 could be entirely made of quartz or in alumina instead of being as in the example described, partially in quartz and partially in stainless steel. In any case, it is quite obvious that the transmission of the UHF energy provided by the turns 11 can take place in the chamber 6 only through a wall which does not conduct electricity, such as quartz or l alumina.

Claims (3)

1. Procédé de combustion du bitume, caractérisé en ce qu'on ramollit d'abord le bitume par un préchauffage et en ce qu'on l'introduit ensuite dans une chambre de combustion (6) proprement dite, parcourue par de l'oxygène en excès soumis à une ionisation par un champ électrique UHF intense, de façon à porter la surface du bitume à une température supérieure à 1000°C et à assurer sa vaporisation et sa combustion rapide dans le plasma d'oxygène ainsi créé.1. Bitumen combustion process, characterized in that the bitumen first softens by preheating and in that it is then introduced into a combustion chamber (6) proper, traversed by oxygen in excess subjected to ionization by an intense UHF electric field, so as to bring the surface of the bitumen to a temperature above 1000 ° C. and to ensure its vaporization and its rapid combustion in the oxygen plasma thus created. 2. Procédé de combustion du bitume selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'on choisit pour le champ électrique UHF une fréquence comprise de préférence entre 50 et 100 MHz et une puissance de 5 à 60 KW.2. Bitumen combustion method according to claim 1, characterized in that one chooses for the UHF electric field a frequency preferably between 50 and 100 MHz and a power of 5 to 60 KW. 3. Application du procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2 au retraitement des bitumes chargés en déchets radioactifs pour séparer et récupérer ces derniers en vue d'un traitement ultérieur.3. Application of the method according to either of Claims 1 and 2 to the reprocessing of bitumens loaded with radioactive waste in order to separate and recover the latter with a view to further processing.
EP84400284A 1983-02-17 1984-02-10 Process for burning bitumen Expired EP0125933B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8302581A FR2541428A1 (en) 1983-02-17 1983-02-17 BITUMEN COMBUSTION PROCESS
FR8302581 1983-02-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0125933A1 true EP0125933A1 (en) 1984-11-21
EP0125933B1 EP0125933B1 (en) 1987-04-29

Family

ID=9286010

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84400284A Expired EP0125933B1 (en) 1983-02-17 1984-02-10 Process for burning bitumen

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4631384A (en)
EP (1) EP0125933B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS59195025A (en)
CA (1) CA1227120A (en)
DE (1) DE3463422D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2541428A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019145654A1 (en) * 2018-01-26 2019-08-01 Constructions Mécaniques Consultants Process and system for wet oxidation treatment

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4778586A (en) * 1985-08-30 1988-10-18 Resource Technology Associates Viscosity reduction processing at elevated pressure
FR2615523B1 (en) * 1987-05-22 1990-06-01 Electricite De France PROCESS FOR HYDROCRACKING A HYDROCARBON CHARGE AND HYDROCRACKING INSTALLATION FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD
US4818371A (en) * 1987-06-05 1989-04-04 Resource Technology Associates Viscosity reduction by direct oxidative heating
US5199363A (en) * 1989-09-21 1993-04-06 Phoenix Environmental, Ltd. Method and apparatus for making solid waste material environmentally safe using heat
US5370066A (en) * 1989-09-21 1994-12-06 Phoenix Environmental, Ltd. Method for making solid waste material environmentally safe using heat
US5127347A (en) * 1989-09-21 1992-07-07 Phoenix Environmental, Ltd. Method and apparatus for the reduction of solid waste material using coherent radiation
US5230292A (en) * 1989-09-21 1993-07-27 Phoenix Environmental, Ltd. Apparatus for making solid waste material environmentally safe using heat
US5065680A (en) * 1989-09-21 1991-11-19 Phoenix Environmental, Ltd. Method and apparatus for making solid waste material environmentally safe using heat
US5272718A (en) * 1990-04-09 1993-12-21 Leybold Aktiengesellschaft Method and apparatus for forming a stream of molten material
DE4032045A1 (en) * 1990-10-09 1992-04-23 Uhde Gmbh Partial oxidn. of bitumen oil emulsions - using oxygen@ or air, useful for prodn. of synthesis gas and hydrogen@
DE4102101C2 (en) * 1991-01-25 2003-12-18 Ald Vacuum Techn Ag Device for producing powders from metals
US5976488A (en) * 1992-07-02 1999-11-02 Phoenix Environmental, Ltd. Process of making a compound having a spinel structure
US5611947A (en) * 1994-09-07 1997-03-18 Alliant Techsystems, Inc. Induction steam plasma torch for generating a steam plasma for treating a feed slurry
US5762009A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-06-09 Alliant Techsystems, Inc. Plasma energy recycle and conversion (PERC) reactor and process
US7244401B1 (en) * 1998-11-13 2007-07-17 Ir Systems International Apparatus for separation of constituents from matrices
JP4374776B2 (en) * 2000-12-19 2009-12-02 富士電機ホールディングス株式会社 Radioactive waste volume reduction device and operation method thereof
WO2005033582A1 (en) * 2003-10-01 2005-04-14 Toshihiro Abe Combustion system
US8118892B2 (en) * 2006-05-12 2012-02-21 Inentec Llc Gasification system
US7854775B2 (en) 2006-05-12 2010-12-21 InEn Tec, LLC Combined gasification and vitrification system
US9206364B2 (en) 2006-05-12 2015-12-08 Inentec Inc. Gasification system
US9222039B2 (en) 2008-01-14 2015-12-29 Inentec Inc. Grate for high temperature gasification systems
FR2953278B1 (en) * 2009-11-27 2012-01-27 Commissariat Energie Atomique METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THERMALLY DESTRUCTING ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BY INDUCTION PLASMA.
FR3009642B1 (en) * 2013-08-08 2018-11-09 Areva Nc PROCESS AND INSTALLATION FOR INCINERATION, FUSION AND VITRIFICATION OF ORGANIC AND METAL WASTE
DE102013022096B4 (en) * 2013-12-20 2020-10-29 Nanoval Gmbh & Co. Kg Apparatus and method for crucible-free melting of a material and for atomizing the molten material to produce powder

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1224861B (en) * 1958-11-18 1966-09-15 Wilhelm Ruppmann Kommanditgese Waste incineration muffle furnace
US3818845A (en) * 1970-12-21 1974-06-25 Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co Ltd Low temperature plasma incinerator and method of stabilizing impedance therein
FR2468980A1 (en) * 1979-11-01 1981-05-08 Daido Steel Co Ltd RADIO-ACTIVE WASTE FUSION FURNACE

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4141694A (en) * 1977-08-26 1979-02-27 Technology Application Services Corporation Apparatus for the gasification of carbonaceous matter by plasma arc pyrolysis
JPS55101100A (en) * 1979-01-27 1980-08-01 Daido Steel Co Ltd Method of canning radioactive solid waste
US4344839A (en) * 1980-07-07 1982-08-17 Pachkowski Michael M Process for separating oil from a naturally occurring mixture
US4338870A (en) * 1980-12-05 1982-07-13 Holley Electric Corp. High temperature oxygen hazardous waste incinerator
US4398475A (en) * 1981-06-15 1983-08-16 Ssk Corporation Hazardous waste incineration system
US4479443A (en) * 1982-03-08 1984-10-30 Inge Faldt Method and apparatus for thermal decomposition of stable compounds

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1224861B (en) * 1958-11-18 1966-09-15 Wilhelm Ruppmann Kommanditgese Waste incineration muffle furnace
US3818845A (en) * 1970-12-21 1974-06-25 Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co Ltd Low temperature plasma incinerator and method of stabilizing impedance therein
FR2468980A1 (en) * 1979-11-01 1981-05-08 Daido Steel Co Ltd RADIO-ACTIVE WASTE FUSION FURNACE

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019145654A1 (en) * 2018-01-26 2019-08-01 Constructions Mécaniques Consultants Process and system for wet oxidation treatment
FR3077368A1 (en) * 2018-01-26 2019-08-02 Constructions Mecaniques Consultants METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING WET OXIDATION

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS59195025A (en) 1984-11-06
EP0125933B1 (en) 1987-04-29
CA1227120A (en) 1987-09-22
DE3463422D1 (en) 1987-06-04
US4631384A (en) 1986-12-23
FR2541428A1 (en) 1984-08-24
FR2541428B1 (en) 1985-03-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0125933B1 (en) Process for burning bitumen
CA1121658A (en) Waste treatment facility
FR2585805A1 (en) APPARATUS FOR DESTRUCTION OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS
EP0292391B1 (en) Hydrocracking process of a hydrocarbon feed, and apparatus for carrying out this process
EP0710163B1 (en) Process for the treatment of polluting and meltable materials
EP0711254B1 (en) Method of rendering inert, with the aid of a plasma torch, products containing metals, in particular heavy metals, and facility for carrying out said method
EP0485255B2 (en) Process and apparatus for the production of a solid fuel from combustible wastes
EP0495710B1 (en) Heat generating installation having desulfurization means using regenerable absorbants
FR2503598A1 (en) APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MELTING AND TREATING METALLIC RESIDUES
CH686742A5 (en) Method and apparatus for recovering at least one metal contained in waste and scrap of industrial products.
FR2654021A1 (en) FLYING ASH VITRIFICATION PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
EP0553019B1 (en) Method for burning solid fuels with a high content of fusible ashes and heavy metals
EP0673887B1 (en) Method for vitrification of pieces or solid particles
EP0565420B1 (en) Method for glazing residues and apparatus for carrying out this method
FR3002075A1 (en) FIBERGLASS BASKET AND METHOD OF INCINERATING WASTE
CN217057540U (en) Plasma melting furnace for treating radioactive wastes
EP0080760B1 (en) Process and installation for heating a cement oven
WO1994030032A1 (en) Mircrowave melting and refining oven
JP2799550B2 (en) Melting furnace
WO1992015395A1 (en) Fluidized bed regeneration system and process
WO1997007904A1 (en) Method for upgrading and reusing fly ash from coal-fired thermal power plants
JPH09269110A (en) Incinerator
JPS58155399A (en) Method and device for processing ion exchange resin waste
JPH09296178A (en) Carbonization of waste resin
FR2919379A1 (en) Polyolefin waste e.g. packaging, transforming method for e.g. hot water production, involves retaining solid wastes by grids, while liquids formed during combustion of wastes are collected in receptacle such that flames directly burn wastes

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): BE CH DE GB LI SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19850513

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19860730

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE CH DE GB LI SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3463422

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19870604

BECN Be: change of holder's name

Effective date: 19870429

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19880211

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19880229

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19880229

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE

Effective date: 19880228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19881101

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19881122

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19890228

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 84400284.0

Effective date: 19880927